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2023 NFL Season: Evaluation 3 darkhorse MVP candidates

By Lou Scataglia

2023 NFL offseason: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts against the Washington Commanders during the second half of the game at FedExField on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
2023 NFL offseason: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts against the Washington Commanders during the second half of the game at FedExField on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL season
BEREA, OHIO – JUNE 06: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns mandatory veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 6, 2023 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /

2023 NFL Season: Evaluation 3 darkhorse MVP candidates

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

Like Russell Wilson, I think Deshaun Watson’s abysmal 2022 season has made us forget just how good he is.  Watson was, before 2022, one of the most efficient passers in the NFL, and I think he’ll return to that in the 2023 NFL season.

He’s a true dual-threat QB and is on a Browns’ team that looks like they could quietly turn into a juggernaut.  They have the best and most consistent RB in the NFL in Nick Chubb, an encouraging WR core that features names like Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Donovan Peoples-Jones, an an elite offensive line.

I also think if the Browns’ defense takes a step forward in 2023, this team could be a complete one, vying for the AFC North crown.  At his best, Watson is a top five-seven QB in the NFL.  As recently as 2020, he put up 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Over the course of a 17-game season, Watson averages 4,432 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions per season.  He’s also averaged 525 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns per 17 games.  Those are excellent numbers.

Over the course of his career, Deshaun Watson has averaged nearly 5,000 total yards and 36 touchdowns per 17 games.  Well, I happen to think he’s got the best and most skilled situation around him on offense than he’s had his entire career.

The 2023 NFL season could be a massive one for Deshaun Watson.

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